Valve



G. L. HAMMON May 9, 1950 VALVE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 13, 1948 M MM M N EA H m L E G R 0 E 6 ATTORNEY May 9, 1950 G. 1.. HAMMON 2,507,102

VALVE Filed Nov. 13, 1948 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 72 I I29. 56' I 67 6/ A g; ,6 I HLI IN V EN TOR. GEORGE L. HAM/WON ATTORNEY Patented May 9, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE VALVE Application November 13, 1948, Serial No. 59,871

13 Claims.

This invention relates to an improved valve combination. More particularly, it relates to a valve combination for controlling the flow of gas and to a valve combination for uniting in selected proportions two or more streams of gas.

Some of the problems solved by this invention Occur in connection with the use of gas blow torches, where, for example, a stream of oxygen may be mixed with a stream of acetylene, and the mixture burned for welding or cutting operations.

Much time and large quantities of gas are wasted when gas is turned off and on and the flow adjustments are made by a valve of the ordinary type. Such a valve which is capable of fine adjustment over a wide range, is not capable of rapid adjustment. It takes a long time to turn it all the way oii and even longer to turn it back on and readjust the flame. Where two streams of gas must be balanced in order to obtain proper combustion, the problem is especially acute.

This problem cannot be solved by combining several ordinary valves, because the torch must remain light in weight, so that it can be handled without tiring the operator. Nor is it practical to rely on one valve at the tank for turning the stream on and ofi and to rely on another valve on the torch for fine adjustment. Convenience demands that all the controls be on the torch handle.

Moreover, it is often desirable to have a pilot flame so that the flame does not have to be relighted every time the welder or cutter starts again after a momentary stop. An additional problem is thus to add the pilot feature without making the torch too heavy and without unduly complicating its operation. Furthermore, it is desirable to keep the gases properly mixed for the pilot frame, so as to avoid the dirty, sooty type of flame made when acetylene is burned without premixing with oxygen.

One object of this invention is to provide an improved valve combination for use with gas torches.

Another object of the invention is to provide a valve combination in which two streams of gas are simultaneously controlled.

Another object of the invention is to provide a combination of two simultaneously-controlled valve units, each valve unit comprising a quick acting valve, in conjunction with a valve which can be pre-set at any one of a number of positions. By this means the valves may be rapidly adjusted between an off position and a position giving a desired flow, or between a pilot flame and a cutting flame.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved combination of two simultaneously controlled valve units, each valve unit comprising an on-and-off valve in conjunction with an adjustable valve, having a full-flow position and a pilot position.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved quick-acting valve for turning on an off a pre-selected flow of gas.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved three-part valve comprising an adjustable pre-set valve, a pilot valve, and an on-and-ofi valve, all of which may be contained in a single light-weight housing.

Another object of the invention is to provide a valve inside of a valve, which gives rapid, centralized control of two valve members.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel valve-in-a-va1ve-in-a-valve combination which centralizes control of three valve units in one unit.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be described in detail in conjunction with some preferred embodiments. These descriptions are given to fulfill the requirements of U. S. Revised Statutes, Section 4888, and it is not intended that they should limit the claims to these specific forms.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a view in side elevation of a gas torch which includes a valve combination embodying the principles of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of a portion of the above torch;

Fig. 3 is a view taken along the line IIIIII in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a view in section taken along the line IVIV in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the portion shown in Fig. 4, with one of the valve units shown in section;

Fig. 6 is a view in side elevation of a portion of a torch, showing a modified form of valve combination;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged view in section taken along the line VII-VII in Fig. 6; and

Fig. 8 is taken along the line VIII-VI[I in Fig. 7.

The combination illustrated is used for combining two streams of gas in various selected proportions and amounts. The torch shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3 includes a rear handle portion Ill which houses the valves. To the front end of the handle 10 is attached a welding or cutting tip ll having a nozzle l2. Inside the handle H] are two gas conduits l3 and I4 which lead to the valve combination described herein. From the valve, the gases pass into a single conduit l5 and from there into the welding tip II.

The torch handle I0 is bossed at H and I8, and the bosses are bored at 2i and 22 to house the valves (see Fig. 3). The two inlet passages 23, 24 lead respectively from the conduits l3, l4 into the bores 2!, 22. Higher up in the bores 2|, 22 are the outlet passages -25, 26.

In the oxy-acetylene torch shown in Fig. 3, oxygen passes from the conduit I3 through the the inlet passage 23 to the valve bore 2| and out through passage 25, into an intermediate chamber 21. From there the oxygen passes through fine needle openings 28 in a-nozzle 29 and-into an annular mixing chamber 3 3. lVlEeanWhilencetY- lene is brought from the tube t i intothe bore .22 through the passage 26 and passes out through the passage 26, into an annular whirl chamber 3|. From there it passes through a conduit 22 into the annular mixing chamber 39. The gases are mixed under substantial pressure but are .permitted to expand somewhat in the conduit on their way to the nozzle I2.

The form of the invention shown in Figs. 1 to '5,inclusive, comprises a needle valve-{i inside a quick-acting two position valve B, which itself is'inside a valve C capable of-fine adjustment. The .twovalves in the bores 2| and 22 are identical, though-they may be separately-adjusted, and therefore only one of them will-be discussed, the

acetylene valve iihshown in section iniFig. 5.

The portion .of the bore ZZ-between-itsinlet :24 and outlet 26, is a-na-rrow passageway 41. At the lower'end of the ,passagevvay'l (adjacent the inlet 24) is a raised-rimval-veseatd2; around which is a wide inletzchamberAt. end of :the passageway 14!, the bore is stepped back at M, to provide at its inner corner va valve seat for an adjustable valve :50.

Abovethe step M, the-wider bore passage .45 isthreaded, except for a smooth portionadjacent :the stop '44, to'receive the hoi-low stem :5l of the adjustable valve 59. The .lower end :52 of :the stem 5! :is preferably frusto-conical, ,so that the gap between it and the valve seat :44 may be widened or narrowed-simplybymoving the stem| in or out, and this gapis'the opening. of the valve'fiil. .Thevalve-Eil is thus capable of fine adjustment, :but is not a quick acting valve.

The mechanism for preventing leaks fromthe valve 150 is mounted above'the valve. The-rim 53 at the upper end of the boss l'l supports a :washer .54,and-on topiof thewasher is a packing and against-the-washer '54 'by a packing nut 51 -.which:fitsrovergthe'core 5i and threads around the outside of the boss I! at 58.

'Thecomplementary adiustingand-lock nuts 60 and BI are-threadedaaround ftherstem 5! above the-packing nut'51. By-turning-.-these the :core

may be moved in and out to narrow orwiden the clearance betweemtheseat andrtheconical rend 52 of .the valveEB. Theolearanceat that point determines'the maximum-flow .throughthe valve 40, land-comprises ,the one setting of .the 1adjustable valve 50. Gnce set and locked, it cannot be ,moved accidentally, and .thetorch will deliver -a setsmaximumrflame.

' The stem -51 is-a hollowtube, and its.bore.63 houses the quick-acting valve .19. The .valve .10 comprises a long narrow stem 1i, threadedat its upper end l2-and fiared widely .at its lower lend '13 to hold a seatingmember 14.w,hich.-may en a e the seat 42 to shut ofi the air through the outlet 2fi or (whenthe valve w is depressed) may be lowered to permit .gasito .passithrough the passageway 4!.

- t the upper 1 'iil Except for a narrow guide passage 64, which ,maintains.the core Tl .in vertical alignment and zprovides'an inset rim .65, the bore .63 is substantially wider than the stem H. A packing :65 fits against the conical upper end of the passage 64 to prevent leakage, a washer El resting on its upper end. A spring 68 rests on top of the washer and fits around the stem H. The spring 68 is compressed at its upper end by a cap 1-5, which is threaded around the stem at 12. The spring 68 urges the valve 10, into a normally closed position, except when the cap 15 is pressed down and the stem I! moved down, against the pressure of the spring.

The seating memberlt .of the valve 10 is preferably a soft washenof neoprene ,or' similar material. It is held in an annular cavity 16 by crimping over the rim T1 at 18.

The downward movement of the valve 70 may be limited by an inset rim 8B in the housing bore 22 which engages prongs 8! on the rim Tl. However, the gas in the chamber' lii is at all times in communication with the chamber 82 below the end '23.

As so far described, the valve combination comprises quick-acting valve 10 inside an adjustable maximum flow valve 50. Almost the entire description so far applies equally well to the valve shown in Figs. 6 to 8 which'may be used with a separate pilot valve, in a manner to be explained presently. The only exception so 'far is that the latters valve housing is not exteriorly threaded, the bore Zi'being stepped back at M5, and thepacking being held against the rim ['53. However, the valve 48 of Figs. 1 to 5 includes in addition a pilot valve partlyinside the inner, quick acting valve, and the description of this feature of the valve will be completed before describing the combination shown in Figs. 6 to 8.

The lower end of the member 13 is axially bored at '83. The lower end of the bore .83 is threaded at '84, and its upper unthreaded end is stepped in at 35 to form a seat for the'pilot valve 90. Above the seat 85, a still narrower axial bore 86 leads to'a transverse passage'B'l. The passage 81 is beyond the seating member 14 and ,communicates at all times with-the passageway 4|. Thus, unless the valve 50 is completely closed, gas may-pass from .the bore "86 out'the outlet 26. The amount offlow of gas is-determined by the needle valve 98.

The valve 953 comprises a'flared stem 9|, which includes a washer .92 :to cushion it against a shoulder 93 at the upper limit (closed position) .of-the-valve 90. ,Packin-gilfi is tightlyretained below the stem 9 l bythe packing nut -95,-threaded in the lower endofthe :bore :2l. The nut95 is dished :at 35, :and the slotted rear end of the :stem 9! projects through and may be adjusted by a coin such as a ten cent piece.

The forward ,end'of the stem 9| comprises a needle-tipped screw 91 which threads into the bore at 84 and'is slottedat 98. Gas willalways ;pass up the bore83 to its seat 85. The clearance between the seat and the needle 99 determines the pilot flow.

As already mentioned, the oxygen valve is identical instructure with the acetylene valve just described. When both of the valves are separately adjusted togive the desired mixture .bothat maximum fiow and at pilot flow, it is desirable to control them simultaneously. For thepurpose a bracket Iilil is securedto the torch (see Figs. 1 and 2), and a valve handle 10! is ,pivotedhere by a pin I02. The torch can be controlled with one hand, because two ears 103 8 and 1M on the handle ill! engage the caps 15 of the two valves and depress them simultaneously. There is enough play in the handle so that each valve can be differently adjusted.

The operation of the valve combination shown in Figs. 1 to 5 is as follows: When the handle IE1 is depressed, the stem 1! is pushed down against the pressure of the spring 58. The seating member '14 at the lower end of the stem H is thus pushed away from the seat 42, and gas will flow from the conduits l3, M into the inlet openings 23, 2d, past the seats 32 and into the passageways 4!. By threading the stems 5| in or out of the bores 2!, 22 the amount of flow past the seats 44 into the outlets 25, 26 is determined. The two valves are adjusted for the best combustion ratios. Oxygen flows from the outlet 25 through the chamber 21 and nozzle 29 into the mixin chamber 38. There it is joined by acetylene gas which has come out the outlet 26 through the whirl chamber 3!. The gases are mixed in the chamber 35! and flow down conduit It to the nozzle tip it, where they are ignited.

When the handle i5! is released, the springs 68 force the stems ll up and close the members 14 against the seats 42. If the needle valves 90 are closed, there will be no flow at all. However, if the needle 99 is backed up from its seat 85 a short distance, there will be a flow of gas from the inlet 23 or 25 up the bores 33, 86 and 81 into the passageway M, past the seat at and thence out the outlet 25 or it. The two needle valves are preferably balanced to assure proper combustion of the pilot flame, so that it will not be sooty.

Figs. 6 to 8 illustrate a modified form of valve, when the pilot valve is separately housed.

The valve 14d is like the valve 46, without the pilot valve 90. A removable cap Ml closes the bore 2| tightly. When the cap M! is taken oiT, a screw driver may be inserted in the slot 142 in the stem end 13 to adjust the height of the cap 75. In this manner all of the caps '55 may project at the same height for engagement by the handle.

A passage i2 5 leads from the chamber 43 of the acetylene gas valve to the pilot valve 200. The torch handle i is bossed at 2M and bored at 202 to provide a housing for the pilot valve 200. A hollow, interiorly-and-exteriorly threaded core 263 is screwed into the bore-2M, and a stem 2% is threaded into the bore 2% of the core 2&3. The forward end of the stem 2G4 is a needle 206, which may seat against the seat 281 or may be retracted to permit passage of a small amount of gas into the passage iZE, leading to chamber 3!.

Pilot valves 200 are provided on both valves, so that a clean pilot flame may be had.

This modified valve operates similarly to the preferred form of valve. Its pilot valve 288 is separately housed, and there are separate passages bored in the handle Hi, but the action is otherwise identical.

Here, then, is a valve which solves the problems mentioned at the beginning of this specification. The valve 0 is capable of fine adjustment. Inside it is the quick-acting valve B which is moved from 0113 to on by the handle I!!!) and which is returned to its off position by the spring 68 when the handle IE6 is released. The pilot valve may be inside the quick acting valve B (as is valve A in Figs. 1 to or it may be in a separate housing (as is valve 200 in Figs. 6 to 8). Either type of pilot valve is adjustable so that proper combustion can be obtained in the pilot flame as well as in the cutting or welding flame.

The valve is light in weight, so that it can fit easily on the torch handle. It can be turned off and on quickly. Once an adjustment of valve C is made, it need not be changed each time the torch is lighted and extinguished, but can remain in adjustment while the quick-actin valve B is operated to stop and start the cutting flame.

I claim:

1. A valve including in combination a housing having a bore closed at one end, said bore having an inlet opening adjacent said closed end, an outlet opening adjacent the opposite end, and a passageway between said inlet and said outlet, said passageway having a valve seat at each end; a tubular stem mounted adjustably in said bore and closing the open end thereof, the lower portion of said stem extending into said passageway and being adapted to move against and away from the valve seat on the outlet side of said passageway, the bore of said stem having an annular inset rim adjacent its lower end; a cylindrical stem extending through and beyond said tubular stem and having a collar adjacent its upper end and an enlarged head its lower end, said head being beyond said tubular stem and below said passageway and adapted to close against the valve seat on the inlet side of said passageway and to be moved downwardly away from it; and a spring around said cylindrical stem between said rim and said collar, normally urging said head to a closed position against its seat.

2. The valve combination of claim 1, in which there is also a needle valve in a passage which bypasses the valve seat on the inlet s ide of said passageway.

3. A valve combination for mixing a plurality of streams of gas, comprising a housing including a pair of valves of the type claimed in claim 1, and a lever pivotally mounted on said housing and adapted to rest on top of the upper ends of all of said cylindrical stems, so that when said lever is depressed, all of said valves will be opened simultaneously.

4. A valve combination including a housing having a bore closed at one end, said bore having an inlet opening adjacent said closed end, an outlet opening adjacent the opposite end, and a passageway between said inlet and said outlet, said passageway having a valve seat at each end; a tubular stern mounted adjustably in said bore and closing the open end thereof, the lower por tion of said stem extending into said passageway and being adapted to move against and away from the valve seat on the outlet side of said passageway, the bore of said stem having an annular inset nim adjacent its lower end; a cylindrical stem extending through and beyond said tubular stem and having a collar adjacent its upper end and an enlarged head at its lower end, said head being beyond said tubular stem and below said passageway and adapted to close against the valve seat on the inlet side of said passageway and to be moved downwardly away from it, said cylindrical stem having an axial bore in its lower end, a seat in said bore, and a transverse bore leading from said axial bore into said passageway above said lower valve seat; a spring around said cylindrical stem between said rim and said collar, normally urging said head to a closed position against its seat; and a needle valve in the lower end of said housing bore, adapted to move against and away from thes'eat in' the axial'horeof said cylindricalstema A 5. A valve;combination-for-mixing aplinalityv;

of streams of gas-comprising ahousinginclud ing a pair-of valves or the'type claimed-in cla= 4, anda'lever' pivotally mounted on saidhousing,

and-adapted to rest on top of the upper ends of said cylindrical stems; so that when saidlever is depressed;' all of said 'valveswill-be opened simultaneously 6. A valve combination including a housing having a bore' closed at oneend, said bore having an -inlet 'openingadjacent "said closed' end an r outlet/ opening adjacent'. the 'opposite end, and

a passageway between said-inlet andsaid outlet,-

saidpassa'geway havingfa' valve seat at each end;

a tubul'ar'stem mounted adjustably in said-bore and closing theopen'end thereof, the lower portion of said 'stcnrextending into said passageway and being adapted to move against and away from the 'valveseat 'on-the outlet side of said passagewayfthe bore of said stein having an "annular inset rim adjacent its lower end and a spring-'pressedvalve stemextendingethroughandbeyond' said'tubular stenr'having a member normally urgedtag'ainstthe valve seat on the inlet sideof said passageway but adapted to be moved away from 1 it.

'7. The valvecombination-of claim 6; in which there is also a" needle-valvein a passage which bypasses 'the'valve' 'seat on the inletsideof said passageway.

8. A valve comprising in combination a h0us-- ingl having -abore-with a=narrow central portion between two Wider outer portions, said narrow central portiont having a. valve 'seat at each end,

said housing alsoehaving a-n inlet-opening adja-- centzand belowthe lower valve seatandan outlet opening adjacent and above the upper. valve seati 1a first valve stem threadablyretained by said housingin the upperouter bore portion and adapted to be moved against andaway from said upperyvalve seat, said stem having an axial bore-extending therethrough with an inset rim adjacent its lower end; a second valvestem slidably mounted in said axial stem bore and extending beyond it at both ends; said second stem having an enlarged head at its lower end movable in said lower wider-bore portion and adapted to close against said lower valve seat; a collar of larger diameter than said second stem secured to the-uppenendof said second'stem inside said axial-stem bore; and a coil springaround said compressed between said collar and said rim, urging 'saidhead normally =against its seatm 9. The valve combinationof claimB, in which there is also aneedlevalvein apassage which-bypasses. thevalve. seat on the inlet side of said 7 narrow --central bore portions 10. A- valve combination for'mixing a plurality of streams of gas, comprising a housing including 1 a pairof valves of the type claimed-in claim 8, and

a, leverpivotally mounted 'on -said=housing-,1 andadaptedto rest on top of the-upper ends of said cylindrical" stems,- s0 that-when saidrlever is depressed-,-al1 of said valveswill be opened-simul taneously.

11. A valve combination comprising a1 housing having a bore with-av narrow central portion between two widerouter portions, said'nar-row cen- 8 l tral 'portion-i having a valv e seat at eaohend, said housinga-lso havi'ng'an inlet openingadjac'ent' and below-the lower valve seat and an outlet cipe'niiig adjacent and-above the upper valve seat; a first valve-stem threadably retained by said housin in the upper outer boreportion and adapted to be moved against and away from said upper 'valve' seat,--said stem'having an axial bore extending therethrough with an inset rim adjacent its lower end; a second valve stemslidablymounted in said axial stem bore and extendingbeyond it at bothends, saidsecond stem' having an enlarged'head at its lower end movable in said lower wider bore-portion and adapted :to close against said-lower valvepsaid second stem being bored at its lower end to provide a passage bypassing said *lower' valve seat a collar of larger-diameter than saidsecond stemsecured' to the upper end of saidflsecond stem inside said axial-stem bore;

-a coilspring around saidsecondstem compressed between-said collar and said rim, urging said head normallyiagainst its-seat; and a needle valve in saidlower-widerbore-portion and adapted to close against and move away from said bypass seat.

12.--A' valve combination -for mixing a plurality of streamsof gas, comprising a housing including a pair of valvesof the type claimed in claim 11,

and a'lever pivotally mountedon'said housing; and-:adapted'to rest'on top'of the upper ends of all of said cylindrical stems; so that when said lever-is depressedyall of saidwalves will be opened simultaneously;

13, A valvexcombin'ation comprising a housing having a bore with a narrow-central portion be-- tweentwo'wider outer portions, said narrow cen-- tral portion having a valve seat at each end,

said housing also having an inlet-opening adj acent and below? thelower-valve seat and an outlet opening adjacent and above the upper valve seat; a first valve 'stem thre'adably retained by said housingfin the 'upper o'uter'bore portion and adapted to' be moved against and away from-said upper valve seat, said-stem having an axial bore extending therethrough'with an inset rim adjacent its lower endy a second valve stem-slidably' mounted in said axial stem bore and extending beyond it at bothendsysaidsecond stem having anenl'arged' head at its lower end movable in said'lower wider'bore portion and-adapted to close against'said'lower'valveseaty a collar of largendiameter than saidsecond stem secured 1 to the upperend' of saidsecond stem inside said axial stem bore; and a coil spring around said second stem compressed between said collar and said rim; urging-said head normally against its Number Name Date 1,268,232 f Fuiman June 4, 1918 1336;1451 Birken maier :1 Nov/2'1, 1922 1,639,540 Bastian L Aug'. 16, 1927 

